Looking for the perfect easy homemade Italian seasoning substitute to complement your meal? This 4-ingredient recipe is delicious, foolproof, and easy to make in a small batch or scale it up for pantry storage. I use the Italian-favorite combination of Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, and Thyme, with even more substitutions in case you are missing those spices.
This post includes a very simple one-step recipe and frequently asked questions about Italian seasoning substitutes.
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What is Italian Seasoning?
Italian Seasoning is a mix of spices and flavors that are commonly found in Italian cooking.
While labeled "Italian", you won't actually find this spice blend in an Italian supermarket. Most authentic Italian cooking uses only one or two of these common spices. The spices used varies by dish and by the cook's preference.
For that reason, my family doesn't keep Italian Seasoning on hand, but will make this Italian Seasoning recipe as needed for Italian-American cuisine.
What is Italian seasoning made of?
Italian seasoning is made of a combination of spices commonly found in Italian cooking. Typically, these include:
- basil
- oregano
- rosemary
- thyme
- parsley
- marjoram
Some Italian seasonings also include black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, sage, or crushed red pepper flakes.
To make this Italian Seasoning Substitute as simple as possible, we use the 4 most common spices. You can add a pinch each of the others depending on what you have on hand and your personal preference.
Keeping flavors and spices as simple as possible is a key part of authentic Italian cooking.
How to make it
To make the best Italian Seasoning Substitute from scratch:
- Gather dried unground versions of the following spices: basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme.
- In a small bowl or jar, mix together 1 teaspoon basil, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon rosemary, and ½ teaspoon thyme.
That's it! This recipe will give you 3 teaspoons of Italian Seasoning. To scale it up, simply swap teaspoons for tablespoons.
How to use it
This DIY Italian Seasoning blend can be used in many Italian dishes for an extra punch of flavor. Here are some of my favorites:
- Use it as a pizza seasoning to boost its nutritional value with vitamins, nutrients, and antioxidants
- Make it an Italian-style taco seasoning and add Sautéed Peppers and Onions
- Add it to soups
- Use in simple oil and vinegar salad dressings
- Add it to a scramble or frittata
- Sprinkle it over simple chicken dishes
- Use it as a meat rub or marinade
- Sprinkle some over a simple pasta with butter or olive oil. Or use it in our Dairy-Free Vodka Pasta or One Pot Pasta dishes.
- Use it in meatballs for extra flavor
- Add it to pasta sauces
More Easy Substitutes
Missing an ingredient for this Italian Seasoning Substitute recipe? Here are more quick and easy options:
A 50-50 mix of dried Basil and dried Oregano.
Basil and dried oreano is a lovely combination that will add that burst of Italian flavor that you're looking for!
Herbes de Provence.
Herbs de Provence usually includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, and sometimes lavender. It has many spices in common with Italian Seasoning. Substitute 1-for-1 for Italian Seasoning.
Test and try different spices like a true Italian chef.
Use your sense of smell to test which spices smell good with the aroma coming from your dish. Try dried basil first, then give oregano, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, and garlic powder a sniff. Start by adding small amounts of each spice, tasting in between additions, until you find your perfect flavor!
According to Science World: "Our sense of smell is responsible for about 80% of what we taste." So if it smells good, there's a good chance it will taste good too!
Expert Tip
Season your meal like a true Italian or make your own Italian Seasoning Substitute with this expert tip!
Hold several spice jars together at once and sniff above them to experience the combination. Or hold one spice at a time near the recipe you're already preparing to smell the new spice with the existing flavors.
Taste is actually 80-90% smell, so this is a great way to do a "taste test" without mixing anything together!
Recipe FAQs
Here I answered some frequently asked questions about this DIY Italian Seasoning Substitute. Don't see your question? Leave it in the comments at the end of this post and I'll answer within two business days.
This Italian Seasoning Substitute can last for 2 years when stored in an airtight container. Keep the seasoning mix in a cool, dry place.
Use dried oregano as a substitute for Italian seasoning in half or less of the amount called for by the recipe. Most people will find a direct substitution of oregano for Italian Seasoning to be too strong. If you also have dried basil, using a 50-50 split of dried oregano and dried-basil makes a good simple Italian Seasoning substitute.
Herbs de Provence has the most spices in common with Italian Seasoning, and is therefore the most similar spice blend.
Italian seasoning refers to a combination of spices that includes Oregano and several others commonly found in Italian cooking. Oregano is a single spice.
Related Italian recipes to consider...
Looking for more recipes where you can use this Italian Seasoning Substitute? Check these out:
And if you're looking to add an Italian dessert to finish off your meal, consider our fan favorite Dairy Free Tiramisu, Italian Hot Chocolate, and Dairy Free Gelato recipes!
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card or comment field below. Thank you!
📖 Recipe
Italian Seasoning Substitute
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon basil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- ½ teaspoon rosemary
Instructions
- In a small jar, gently mix all ingredients together.
Notes
More easy Italian Seasoning Substitutes:
Missing an ingredient? Here are more quick and easy options:- A 50-50 mix of dried Basil and dried Oregano. This is a lovely combination that will add the burst of Italian flavor that you're looking for!
- Herbs de Provence. Herbs de Provence usually includes thyme, oregano, marjoram, savory, and sometimes lavender. It has many spices in common with Italian Seasoning. Substitute 1-for-1 for Italian Seasoning.
Laura says
I’ve used this Italian seasoning substitute recipe a few times and it works like a charm! I especially like the tips about smelling the meal with your spices to determine what the best fit is.
Noah says
Exactly what I was looking for!
Jamie says
I'm so glad to hear it Noah! Thank you for the comment.
Brie says
I am so happy for this recipe with 4 ingredients that I already have! Worked like a charm in my minestrone soup recipe.
Cory says
Perfect for my Italian pasta salad!
Jamie says
I'm so glad it worked out!
TerryF says
This is a really good seasoning mix. Most recipes I found online for Italian seasoning include chilli pepper flakes, which is very strange because I don’t remember ever any of my Italian friends using that in their seasoning mixes.
Jamie says
I agree! Thank you so much Terry 🙂 My Italian grandmother would be so proud!
Monica says
I mad this mix and I love it because it's more pungent and fresh tasting and I can mix the best herbs together.
Jamie says
I couldn't agree more Monica! Thank you so much.